Schoolboy asks Tukaram Mundhe to bring back vada pav in schools; the Maharashtra FDA chief’s response is winning hearts

A school canteen without vada pav may not sound like good news to many children. But when a young student asked Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe to bring back the popular snack, his answer turned into a lesson on food and growing up. A video of their interaction has gone viral on Instagram, drawing attention to the state's efforts to make school food healthier.What the schoolboy asked Tukaram MundheThe boy approached Mundhe with a straightforward request. “Vada pav has been banned in schools, but my friends and I want it back. What do you have to say?”Instead of dismissing the child's demand, the commissioner smiled and explained why children needed to look beyond their favourite snacks.“Our life won’t stop if we don’t eat vada pav. On the contrary, if you eat good nutritious food, you will grow much better,” Mundhe told him.His response was firm without being harsh. The exchange also highlighted a familiar challenge for parents and schools: helping children understand why some everyday food choices deserve a second thought.Why Mundhe warned against fried snacksMundhe advised the student to avoid deep-fried snacks and focus on nutritious food, particularly protein-rich options.Children need a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Dal, beans, milk, curd, eggs and other protein-rich foods can contribute to healthy growth.The point is not that one vada pav will harm a child. What matters more is the overall eating pattern and how often less nutritious foods replace balanced meals.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.His response to the question about Chinese street foodThe conversation did not end with vada pav. The boy also asked about Chinese street food.Mundhe cautioned him about artificial colours and chemicals that may be used in some food preparations. He urged the student to prioritise health over taste.Food safety concerns are worth taking seriously, particularly when ingredients and preparation methods are unclear. However, not all Chinese-style food is unsafe. The hygiene of the vendor, the quality of ingredients and the use of permitted food additives all matter.The exchange offered a simple message: children should learn to enjoy food while also understanding what goes into it.What Maharashtra's school food directive saysMundhe's advice comes amid a statewide drive against high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods in and around schools.The directive targets products such as vada pav, samosas, burgers, pizzas, chips and aerated drinks in school canteens and within a 50-metre radius of school campuses. It applies across school types and educational boards in Maharashtra.Healthier alternatives include poha, upma, idli, dosa, fresh fruit and buttermilk, alongside balanced meals that meet children's nutritional needs.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes. Nutritional needs vary by age and individual circumstances. The video and reported statements are described based on the information provided; the interaction has not been independently verified.Get the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.